Syria-based Al-Qaida withdraws from the Turkish border

Image: telegraph.co.uk

An affiliate of the Nusra Front in Syria has confirmed its withdrawal exercises along the Turkish border, as a result of the USA and Turkey’s decision to free the border of extremist insurgents. The Al-Qaida has been battling for power against the ISIS alongside other rebel groups, despite being in favour of the establishment of the Islamic State.

These efforts were put into practice after two weeks of airstrikes by the Turkish against IS targets on the border. Meanwhile, Washington has gained permission to utilise the Incirlik Air Base at the border for operations for the ‘safe zone’.  Sunday saw six U.S F-16 jets arrive to fight against the militants, as the Turkish Foreign Minister confirmed an “extensive” fight in the future.

A Qaida directive was published online, on a jihadi website, wherein Nusra said, “We announce our withdrawal from the battle fronts against [ISIS] in northern Aleppo’s countryside. We in the Nusra Front disallow entry into this coalition, whether by fighting in its ranks or seeking its assistance or even through coordination.” This urged other rebel groups to follow suit, so as to not aid the coalition in its efforts towards a wider war against the Islamic rule and other western interests, against which the Nusra Front has planned attacks in the past—the Division 30 battle last month.  In their bid to strategically place their enemies, they have said that they will continue to fight against the ISIS in other parts of Syria.

However, in the process, they have left the Aleppo region in Syria, a former commercial capital, undefended. Although it is ill-defined from where the Al-Qaida has withdrawn its forces, a Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has said that the withdrawal has occurred in two areas along the border. These targets have been replaced by militants of other rebel groups such as the Shamia and Levant Front, as the jihadi website showed.

The Nusra Front considers this move in the interest of its religion, which would be betrayed by helping or receiving help from the Americans. At the same time, the ISIS continues to expand its stronghold in Syria by fighting the Syrian government in northern airbases of importance, setting up car bombs and killing 18 troops, while 26 of its men were killed.

Source: TheGuardian , TimesOfIndia

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About Suyash Karangutkar

Suyash Karangutkar is a young, dedicated and an enthusiastic journalist who has a deep interest in National and International Affairs. He is an ardent political spectator who finds politics fascinating. At Spectralhues, he heads the Mumbai team and covers National Affairs & Politics. He also occasionally writes columns for Spectralhues. He can be followed on Twitter @columnistsuyash